Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here's all what you need to know about Star Assurance, its policies, claims, etc.

Brief definition of insurance

Insurance is simply a legal contract between an insurer (Star Assurance Co. Ltd) and insured whereby in exchange for premium, the former promises to compensate the latter for suffering from specified potential future losses or damage.

Main categories of insurance

1. Life Assurance2. Non-Life Assurance general business)

Basic principles of insurance

UTMOST GOOD FAITH – This is a duty upon the proposer to reveal all material facts about the proposed risk. A material fact is one which would influence the mind of a prudent underwriter in deciding whether to accept a risk or not and on what terms. Examples are the value of the subject matter, its usage and location. This principle also requires insurers to disclose all the major terms and conditions of the contract to the insured.

INSURABLE INTEREST - The insured must stand in some legally recognised relationship to the subject matter of insurance whereby he benefits from its safekeeping or is prejudiced by its loss.

SUBROGATION – If an insured recovers under his policy then the insurers assume legal rights and remedies against third parties. This prevents an insured from making a recovery from both his insurers and a third party. Subrogation therefore means that the insurers can pursue or seek recovery from the third party who caused the loss to the insured.

CONTRIBUTION – An insured cannot make profit from a loss by recovering from more than one insurer. Contribution therefore means that all insurers will contribute to pay the actual loss so that the insured does not benefit. This happens when the same loss or damage by the same insured peril, occurs on the same subject matter and on the same interest.

PRIXIMATE CAUSE – Since insurance policies are designed to pay for losses arising from specified perils, any claim payable must be as a direct result of the insured peril happening.

Claims

Insurance claim, just like any accident are inevitable. When it happens these steps should be followed;

Quickly inform us about the loss by logging into e-insurance, phone call, email or in person

As much as possible provide every accurate detail about the loss

If it involves motor accident, report the incident to the police and obtain a police report

Arrange to obtain an estimate for repairs of the damage vehicle and submit it as soon as possible

Anytime there is damage to your property, try as much as possible to gather enough evidence to support your claim.

Take picture of the damaged items.

How to make non-motor claim?

Notify the insurer immediately the loss occurs.(Failure to report on time may lead to repudiation of the claim)

Visit the insurance company offices, your broker, agent or the company’s website for relevant claim form. Complete and return same to the company.

Report loss to Ghana National Fire Service / Ghana Police Service where necessary.

A post loss survey would be conducted by the insurer immediately. (Do not tamper with the incident area to destroy evidence of loss)

Take measures to prevent further damage to the property.

The following documents would be required to process Non Motor claims

Completed Claim Form

Survey report

Police report (where necessary)

Fire report (where necessary)

Purchase invoices/receipts (as proof of ownership of affected item)

Estimates for repairs

Photographs of damage items/ locations

(All other documents relevant to the claim would be requested upon receipt of claim form)

Completed Claim Form

Survey report

Police report (where necessary)

Fire report (where necessary)

Purchase invoices/receipts (as proof of ownership of affected item)

Estimates for repairs

Photographs of damage items/ locations

Who can make a claim?

The policy holder, insured or the caretaker of the vehicle or the beneficiary.

What are the circumstances under which a claim maybe repudiated?

When the peril which caused the loss was not covered under the policy or when the loss was not covered by the policy terms and conditions.

Who is a beneficiary?

The person or entity who is paid the proceeds under the insurance policy.

Who is an Insured?

A person/institution in whose name the insurance policy is written.

Who is a Third Party?

A third party is any person or entity other than the Insured and Insurer who obtains benefits under an Insurance contract.

What is an Insurance Policy?

It is a legal document which specifies the details of the insurance contract. In it the type of policy, period of insurance, the insured, the extent of cover terms and conditions among others are specified clearly. It is an evidence of the insurance contract.

What is Indemnity?

It is the financial compensation that is adequate to put an insured in the same financial position after a loss as he/she was before the accident. Insurers in order to indemnify an insured may at their option pay cash, repair, replace or reinstate damaged property.

What is a Peril?

A contingency that gives rise to a loss e.g. fire, flood, earthquake etc.

Who needs insurance and When?

Everybody needs insurance. In all aspects of our daily life, at home, at work, on the street etc. we undertake risks. Insurance exists to cushion us against the financial burden that would arise should a mishap occur. Hence the need to take insurance to protect that financial loss at all material times.

What are the types of Insurances available?

How do I Select an Insurance cover?

Selecting an appropriate insurance cover for yourself, your property or business requires professional advice. This is so because there are various policies that provide cover in various ways. Let’s know your needs first so as to advice you appropriately.

What are General Businesses?

What is an Excess?

The first part of a claim which the insured is expected to bear. It is usually a fixed amount or a fixed percentage of a claim.

What is a Deductible?

It is normally a large excess. The insured cannot claim loss amounts which fall within the deductible.

What is Liability?

The state of being legally responsible for something e.g. responsibility for damage caused to other people’s property or injury to their bodies. These are the liabilities transferred by insured’s to their insurers.

What is Permanent total disablement?

It is a state where an insured as a result of an injury becomes permanently disabled from pursuing his/her usual occupation.

What is Temporary total disablement?

A state in which an insured has sustained injury which makes him/her totally disabled for a period. In this case the insured is expected to be able to work again after some time.

What are Schengen States?

Schengen is the name applied to a series of agreements that eliminate border controls between most but not all European countries. The governments of the following countries have signed the Schengen agreements: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Ireland and the United Kingdom, although members of the European Union, are not part of the Schengen area.

Could my rate change after I receive a quote?

Several factors could account for a change in the rate between the time you receive your quote and the time you decide to purchase your policy. These factors may include but not limited to:

A revised rate due to loss ratio of that particular class of business

A revision of the tariff by National Insurance Commission. Please contact us on 0501409080/0501327966 and we can help answer your questions.

Is my payment accepted immediately?

How quickly do changes I make go into effect?

If you make a change to your policy, the change can be effective immediately, or you may choose the effective date. Certain restrictions may apply to some changes, so call us on 0501409080 / 0501327966 for further assistance if needed.

Can I make changes to my policy online?

Can I call to make changes to my policy?

Yes. Our representatives are available to help you 24/7 on 0501409080 / 0501327966

... your solid partner

Star Assurance Company Limited (“Star Assurance”) is a privately owned Insurance Company incorporated in August 1984 and licensed to carry out corporate and retail insurance businesses in Ghana. It commenced business in April 1985.